1 Dr. Alberto G. Ayala, deputy chief of pathology at the Methodist Hospital, has received the Arthur Purdy Stout Society Distinguished Pathologist Award, one of the highest honors a surgical pathologist can receive.

1 Jud Neal has been named board president for Healthcare Billing and Management Association. Neal has been a member of the association since 2009. His goal as president will be to lobby on behalf of the HBMA, provide education for its members, raise the standards of the organization and market the association to potential members.

1 Dr. John I. Hughes, a clinical gastroenterologist and associate medical director of clinical academic affairs and affiliations at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, was recently honored with "Master of ACP" status by the American College of Physicians. Also, the Texas chapter of the ACP has named Dr. Victor Simms, of Kelsey-Seybold's Pasadena Clinic, its Young Physician of the Year.